Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry pool is undergoing a quiet but consequential reshaping of its skilled trades category for 2026. The most notable change is the removal of Cooks (occupation code 63200) from the trades category on February 18, 2026, signaling a shift in which foreign nationals are […]
Canada Expands Indian Student Scholarships and Deepens University Ties Under New Education Pact
Maple News reports that Canada and India have unveiled a broad education and talent strategy designed to increase study pathways for Indian students, reinforce research collaboration, and broaden hybrid learning options. Announced on the morning of March 2, 2026, the measures include substantial scholarship funding, new university partnerships, and the […]
Express Entry Draw Invites 264 PNP Candidates as CRS Climbs to 710, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 264 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a March 2 Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. To be considered, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710 and had to have created an […]
Saskatchewan SINP Opens Second Intake Window for Capped Sectors, Allocating 400 Nomination Spots
Maple News reports that the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has opened its second intake window for capped-sector applications. Beginning March 2, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST, employers in capped sectors may submit applications for SINP candidates in accommodation and food services, retail trade, and trucking. The window is capped […]
Canada to Raise Passport Fees Starting March 2026, with Annual Inflation-Linked Increases
Maple News reports that the Canadian government will raise passport and travel document fees for the first time in more than two years, with changes taking effect March 31, 2026. The increase will apply to all passports and related service fees, whether issued inside Canada or abroad, and is expected […]
Quebec Issues 2,573 Invitations in Latest PSTQ Draw, Expanding Path to Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that on February 23, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) conducted an immigration draw across all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). With the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) closed, the PSTQ has become the province’s main pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent […]
Temporary policy expires: Iranians no longer eligible for special Canadian work permits
Maple News reports that Iranians in Canada can no longer apply for special work permits after the temporary public policy expired. The policy—titled the Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents—had allowed Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025 to […]
Manitoba RCIP 2026: Regions Name Priority Sectors and Occupations for Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s three Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) regions have unveiled their 2026 priority sectors and occupations. To pursue permanent residence under RCIP, candidates must hold a job offer from a designated local employer in an eligible occupation. The Manitoba regions participating in RCIP are Altona/Rhineland (the […]
Manitoba PNP Issues 72 Invitations in Latest Skilled Worker Draw
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 72 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) on February 26, 2026, through the Skilled Worker stream’s two pathways: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas. The invitations targeted candidates in Manitoba and abroad who stated they were directly invited […]
Alberta Issues 899 Invitations Across Two AAIP Draws, Marking Strong Start to 2026 Immigration
Maple News reports that the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted two draws on February 20 and February 24, 2026, issuing a total of 899 invitations to prospective newcomers, marking the province’s 11th and 12th provincial immigration draws of 2026. The two draws included the first Alberta Opportunity Stream priority-sectors […]
RCIP 2026: BC Regions Map Priority Jobs for Permanent Residency Pathways
Maple News reports that British Columbia’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) regions have unveiled their 2026 priority sectors and occupations, outlining the job-focused path to permanent residence for foreign workers whose offers align with local labor needs. The RCIP regions participating in BC are North Okanagan-Shuswap, Peace Liard, and West […]
Canada Tightens Scrutiny of Significant-Benefit LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has tightened the evaluation criteria for work permits issued under the ‘significant benefit to Canada’ LMIA exemption, code C10, within the International Mobility Program (IMP). The updated guidance was published on February 24, 2026. Under the new instructions, officers must apply more stringent […]
13 Provincial Pathways to Permanent Residence Without a Job Offer, Explained
Maple News reports that, while many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams require a job offer, 13 pathways do not. For applicants pursuing permanent residence through provincial nomination without an offer, here are notable options. Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers a single PNP stream that does not require a job […]
Canada processing times evolve: Pakistan study permits surge while work and visitor categories shift
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated processing times for temporary resident applications, covering work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. The latest estimates, released February 24, show several notable shifts across different applicant origins. For work permits, the updates indicate a mix of modest […]
Staying Safe in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide to Guarding Against Financial Fraud
Maple News reports a practical guide to help newcomers stay safe from financial fraud in Canada, a risk many managing money in a new country may encounter. Financial fraud involves someone attempting to access your money or personal information through deception. Scammers may pose as banks, government offices, or trusted […]
Quebec Narrows Expedited LMIA List to 60 Occupations for the TFWP
Maple News reports that Quebec has updated its roster of occupations eligible for expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The February 24, 2026 update reduces the list to 60 occupations across the province, down from 76. To ease the transition, Quebec has […]